1998 Nissan Sentra - Unreliable but cheap.

Walter

Fullerton, California

Overall

2.0

Value

2.0

Performance

1.0

Style

1.0

Comfort

1.0

Fuel Economy

4.0

Reliability

1.0

1998 Nissan Sentra - Unreliable but cheap.

The 1998 Sentra is a vehicle that shows its age with its mediocre GA16DE engine. The GXE trim does not sport the much more popular SR20 engine. The interior is reasonable comfortable for what it is. The road noise is quite loud. The stock speakers are what you'd expect of such an old vehicle and required an immediate upgrade to more modern standards. The engine tended to leak oil around the valve cover gasket regardless of how many times it was replaced. Parts would regularly fail, such as the Idle Air Control Valve, Mass Airflow Sensor, and Throttle Position Sensor. Research shows these parts commonly become an issue with this vehicle. Fuel economy, when parts affecting emissions -- like the ones above -- are running properly, is around a respectable 30 miles per gallon. It was cheap,... (more)

The 1998 Sentra is a vehicle that shows its age with its mediocre GA16DE engine. The GXE trim does not sport the much more popular SR20 engine. The interior is reasonable comfortable for what it is. The road noise is quite loud. The stock speakers are what you'd expect of such an old vehicle and required an immediate upgrade to more modern standards. The engine tended to leak oil around the valve cover gasket regardless of how many times it was replaced. Parts would regularly fail, such as the Idle Air Control Valve, Mass Airflow Sensor, and Throttle Position Sensor. Research shows these parts commonly become an issue with this vehicle. Fuel economy, when parts affecting emissions -- like the ones above -- are running properly, is around a respectable 30 miles per gallon. It was cheap, and it runs cheaply. Overall, this car is a good three out of ten. Get it if you're desperate, avoid it otherwise.

Story

One day, I traveled to the beach with the car. It was funny how this little engine was chugging up the hill overlooking the ocean. Its profile against the sunset was hilarious but warming.

One day, I traveled to the beach with the car. It was funny how this little engine was chugging up the hill overlooking the ocean. Its profile against the sunset was hilarious but warming.

Pros

Fuel economy is 30 miles per gallon. The car is cheap to buy if you're strapped for cash.

Fuel economy is 30 miles per gallon. The car is cheap to buy if you're strapped for cash.

Cons

Engine performance is lacking, and hills are very difficult to climb at a respectable speed. Road noise is very loud with little to no isolation from the environment. Interior comfort is low due to upholstery quality and climate control performance. Ride smoothness is rough. Transmissions experience some jerkiness at higher mileage.

Engine performance is lacking, and hills are very difficult to climb at a respectable speed. Road noise is very loud with little to no isolation from the environment. Interior comfort is low due to upholstery quality and climate control performance. Ride smoothness is rough. Transmissions experience some jerkiness at higher mileage.

2013 Nissan Sentra - Perfect first car.

Sentra Owner

Cypress, California

Overall

5.0

Value

5.0

Performance

4.0

Style

4.0

Comfort

5.0

Fuel Economy

5.0

Reliability

5.0

2013 Nissan Sentra - Perfect first car.

The build of the car is small but inside feels much bigger. There are a lot of driving features such as Eco and Sport mode that I use a lot. I have driven 35,000 miles on it and do not have any issues whatsoever. The stereo, lock, and window functions work perfectly. The car’s dashboard computer where gas mileage left, average mpg, etc. works good as new and provides accurate information. There is AUX cord access which is perfect for me who doesn’t own any CD’s. The stereo system in the car is great and I can adjust the bass, treble, and balance of the sound. The AC/heating system is still in perfect condition and works fast. I also enjoy the gas mileage on this car. As one who commutes to university, that is a very important aspect to me. My car can drive about 300 miles on a full tan... (more)

The build of the car is small but inside feels much bigger. There are a lot of driving features such as Eco and Sport mode that I use a lot. I have driven 35,000 miles on it and do not have any issues whatsoever. The stereo, lock, and window functions work perfectly. The car’s dashboard computer where gas mileage left, average mpg, etc. works good as new and provides accurate information. There is AUX cord access which is perfect for me who doesn’t own any CD’s. The stereo system in the car is great and I can adjust the bass, treble, and balance of the sound. The AC/heating system is still in perfect condition and works fast. I also enjoy the gas mileage on this car. As one who commutes to university, that is a very important aspect to me. My car can drive about 300 miles on a full tank. This car helps me save money compared to some other cars on the market. Sometimes I will go over a week without having to fill up. This car is perfect for my first car and to use in college.

Story

I have taken this car on many road trips and it is 100% reliable. Driving to Santa Barbara or San Francisco, the car does well up and downhill.

I have taken this car on many road trips and it is 100% reliable. Driving to Santa Barbara or San Francisco, the car does well up and downhill.